Derrick has written to ask about an uncommon use of a common word—namely this familiar word ‘enjoy.’
In modern usage it normally means something like ‘to take pleasure in’—as in ‘you’ll really enjoy the food as this café, it’s terrific.’
But Derrick has found ‘enjoy’ in a 1647 document that he finds a bit puzzling.
The document in question is something called The Westminster Shorter Catechism.
This is a document that consists of 107 short questions and answers.
What puzzled Derrick is the very first question and answer.
Here is it is (in the words of 1647): Question: What is the chief end of man? Answer:
Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
Derrick asks ‘What does “enjoy” mean here?
Surely it can’t mean “take pleasure in” as we mean by “enjoy” these days?
Can you help me with the history of the word “enjoy”?’
Well, I can try!
‘Enjoy’ came into English from Latin via Old French around 1380.
There is some evidence that the Old French source word was also related to our word ‘jewel’—meaning something of value.
The Latin source word meant ‘rejoice’ is the sense of ‘a source of joy.’
But there is more.
‘Enjoy’ has had a long and varied history as part of the English language.
Around the time this Westminster Shorter Catechism was written in 1647 ‘enjoy’ also carried the meaning of ‘to benefit from.’
So, it is possible. Derrick, that when the document was written the intention was to say that the chief end of man was ‘to benefit from’ the blessing, acceptance and approval of God.
Does that make sense?
Of course, the word ‘man’ in the document is being used in the old way to mean ‘mankind’ (that is, humanity considered collectively and individually).
The other less familiar word here is ‘glorify’—which means to acknowledge, to honour, to respect, to exalt.
So, there is a whole worldview embodied in these short sentences, Derrick.
It is a worldview that says the universe is basically personal not impersonal — making it possible to have a relationship with the Mind Behind the Universe, the Big Brain Behind the Big Bang.
And it sees this relationship as the core meaning and purpose of every human life.
So, big picture stuff, Derrick, in these short sentences.
Tonight I will join John Stanley for 'The Word Clinic' on 2GB, 4BC, 2CC and the Nine Radio Network -- right after the 10pm news. This is your chance to talk about any aspect of words and language, and to hear what other people are asking about.
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